Fire destroys all but grandmother’s dignity

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Johanna Willemse, a grandmother from Santaville, Graaff-Reinet, lost everything save her dignity and courage when a devastating fire on Thursday 24 October left her home in ashes.

"I will build up what my family and I lost in the fire," Willemse said from a neighbouring home, where they temporarily live. "I will stay proud and keep my head up."

Willemse, her two daughters Mary-Ann and Jolene Bester, as well as her three grandchildren, Kelly-Ann (9), Wyaet (3) and Wyllen (1), have been living in the informal settlement on Boogstraat for the last two months. The fire destroyed the home while Willemse was at work and her family not at home. She only works one day a week.

It is unclear how the fire started, but the Advertiser witnessed the flames destroying the home within minutes. The municipal fire department arrived at the scene to extinguish the last flames. Bystanders attempted to douse the flames with the last of their much-needed water supply.

Willemse said she was on her way home from work, when Jolene phoned her and said that something terrible had happened. "It was only when I arrived there that I saw everything was gone."

People were shocked to see the fire destroying the home.

There was no stopping the flames.

Ali Sabley, Project Manager for Gift of the Givers, stood about 100 metres from the scene, as Gift of the Givers was handing out food in the area.

That same afternoon, Sabley and his team bought necessities for Willemse and her family. Sabley said they spent approximately R10 000 on food and clothes for the family, but the family still needs a helping hand.